Digital printing has long been considered eco-friendly, but today's digital presses offer greater environmental benefits than those from 15 years ago. When digital printing first emerged, it was clear that it could deliver substantial ecological advantages. Today's digital presses are smaller, faster, more efficient, and capable of producing high-quality prints. With quality now guaranteed, what particular environmental benefits do modern digital printing techniques provide?

Digital Print and Environmental Benefits

Efficiency

Digital presses are very efficient, consuming less energy to print quickly, thereby lowering CO2 emissions and reducing greenhouse gases and pollutants. Digitally printed paper doesn't need UV-curing or drying beforehand, offering additional energy and efficiency advantages. Moreover, setting up a digital print job takes only a few minutes, unlike litho printing.

Waste

Digital printing minimises paper waste by using only the amount necessary for printing. This not only conserves paper but also saves time and energy, which positively impacts the environment.

Consumables

Digital printing eliminates the need for printing plates and the chemicals used in litho printing, making it more economical and environmentally friendly.

PLUS -Our Digital Toners are Certified Food Safe

Following a rigorous testing process, the eco-toners developed by Ricoh for our digital press base have been awarded a Smithers Pira Certificate of Conformity, confirming compliance with EU food packaging legislation.

The toners comply with EU and FDA legislation for food packaging intended for all food types when used behind a functional barrier. No significant migration or set-off was observed, and the risk assessment for Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) associated with the toners was compliant. 

Going Green with Eco Papers

Responsibly sourced paper indicates that forests are managed to protect wildlife and respect local communities. Various groups, including environmental organisations, community groups, and forest certification bodies, work to ensure this standard. When you see this phrase on a paper or wood product, it signifies that the material comes from a forest cultivated for paper production, not from protected rainforests. The presence of the FSC® initials on a product confirms it originates from a responsibly managed forest.

We choose paper and board from sustainably managed sources for all our printing needs, with options in silk, gloss, and 100% recycled materials. This guarantees that everything printed by The School Printer originates from forests managed with long-term sustainability in mind.

Using responsibly sourced paper for printing shows environmental awareness. More people are choosing these papers to support sustainability, and we have made them our standard option.

Placing your print with The School Printer guarantees the following:

• ISO 14001-certified printer since 2006, committed to continual improvement
• All our papers benefit from the Carbon Capture scheme
• All of our litho presses are alcohol free
• Our plate-making equipment is chemistry-free
• All our litho inks are vegetable oil-based
• All of the toners we use are environmentally friendly
• All of our waste is either recycled or reused
• All our waste is collected by certified hazardous waste carriers

To emphasise that your printed product is both attractive and environmentally conscious, consider including one of these statements:

'By choosing this product, you help take care of the world’s forests. Learn more: www.fsc.org
'By choosing this product, you are supporting responsible management of the world’s forests.'
‘Printed using vegetable oil-based inks'
‘Printed with eco-friendly toners’